Home & Lifestyle Spring 2018

Planning on installing your own floating floor? by Guy Thornycroft

W hy not! This article will highlight the problems that can occur and what to do to avoid them. “Proper Preparation” will save you time and money. Installing your own floor is both physically and time consuming, so ensure you are up to it with enough time in hand to complete the work. Patience pays! Once old floor coverings have been removed check the levelness of the subfloor. You may have concrete or timber, but place a 2m (+) long level in different places and see how much gap you see between it and the sub-floor. Anything gap more than 3mm deep over a 3m span will need the high points taken off or the valley filled with levelling compound. (Tip: use a marker pen as you go to remind you

Consider if you need an acoustic underlay to reduce noise transfer to rooms below. There are some excellent u-tube videos on installing floors and they are worth watching for tips and short cuts. Most floors ‘click’ together so avoid excessive bashing that will damage the locking mechanism. Your local flooring specialist will give you good advice and can supply the right tools to make the job easier. However good you are, there is always move to learn, so ask! Start at ProFlooring in Umina. Call Proflooring for advice 4342 6666 www.proflooring.com.au

where the high and low areas are) All floating floors need an expansion gap between the floor and any vertical surface like a wall. Consider what skirting or scotia you want to cover that gap. If taking off the existing skirting to re-fit after the floor is laid, number the bits as they come off for easier refitting. Consider what trims you need before starting as they may need base tracks installed before you lay the floor. Every flooring type has advantages and disadvantages. Pick one that matches your lifestyle or the purpose of the room. Your best friend does not need to like it, you do. Floating floors need an underlay that helps remove irregularities (so your new floor lies flat and firm) and provides a water barrier.

Quality

Bamboo Timber & Laminate Flooring

Large Showroom Free Measure and Quote www.proflooring.com.au

258 West Street, Umina Beach | P:4342 6666 | email:info@proflooring.com.au

& Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2018 7

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